Hold-up after Nelson Mandela party

NELSON Mandela's grand-children underwent a harrowing ordeal with gunmen following the South African icon's 92nd birthday party, but no-one was hurt and the attackers fled after an exchange of gunfire.

Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo revealed yesterday that the former president's grandchildern were returning to their Johannesburg home on Sunday when two gunmen approached their car.

They ordered the occupants to lie down near the entrance to the home of Mr Mandela's daughter Zindzi. One fired a shot and the family driver returned fire.

South African media reported yesterday that expended cartridge cases were collected from the scene and a suspected getaway car used by the attackers was later recovered north-west of Johannesburg.

Police refused to comment on the reports.